Thursday 17 November 2016

Hilda

Now, there was an inspirational lady. She was born in the seventh century, a niece of the king of Northumbria. When he was killed she went into exile with her Auntie Ethelburgha, the queen, who founded a nunnery. This seemed like a good idea to devout, brainy, sensible Hilda, who in turn became the Abbess of Whitby.

She presided over a double monastery, ie, with monks and nuns, living simply in the Celtic, sharing way. Kings and leaders came to her for advice. She was an organiser, a motivator, a teacher and a woman of prayer, and if the legend is true she was pretty good at getting rid of snakes. She encouraged the first English poet, Caedmon. It is said that the birds flying inland dip their wings in honour of St Hilda (OK, that's a bit far-fetched, but a nice story).

This lady, who was born to privilege and used her education and influence to spread grace, love and wisdom, went to heaven on 17 November. Women's colleges are often named after her. Happy St Hilda's Day.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

That is so awesome!!! (In history we are learning about Europe in the middle ages.) Soon, we will be learning about the plauge!!!! (Apparently, people still get bubonic plage in todays world. It's rare, but it happens.)

So, I have decided on what I want to do with my City of Bane story. I am thinkings about 'in verse, 3th person'. I don't know if it's been done, or it's aginst the rules....but I don't care. I want to 'break the mold/glass ceiling/'be a rebel' in the literary world....but than agin, i'm having other issues with it....

Sorry, I would of writen this to you in email, but it probaly woun't get through to you.